NHS Training Via Oriel

Do you plan on moving to the UK and working for the NHS? If so, you may want to look at speciality training opportunities, especially if you want a senior specialist role. Specialist vacancies are organised by Health Education England (HEE) and the Head Deanery. The standard process for applying for these vacancies involves using Oriel.

Oriel is an online portal specifically designed for doctors looking for speciality training vacancies in the UK, including ST1, ST3, CT1 levels and more. With Oriel, you can search and apply for vacancies, as well as book interviews and manage your offers. It covers the entire process of recruitment.

How to Use Oriel

To use Oriel, you will first need to register for an account. As an IMG, you will likely choose to “register to apply to medical and public health training programmes”. However, there are also these options:

• Dental training programmes
• Standalone foundation vacancies
• Eligibility application process
• Scientist training programmes
• Re-registration pharmacy programmes

To register, you must provide your personal details, such as your name, DOB, telephone number, and address. You don’t need a UK address at this stage.

Once registered, you can log in and use the Oriel dashboard.

Searching for Vacancies on Oriel

Oriel provides a long list of vacancies for you to view. You can use the drop box to be more selective with your search. Simply select a UK foundation programme and then click on the vacancies link to check out the results. From there, you can click on the vacancies you want to see more of, showing you more details about the advert. Then, you can apply.

Applying to a Vacancy on Oriel

You should consider a couple of things before applying for a vacancy on Oriel. First, consider your eligibility – you can check out HEE person specifications to ensure you are eligible. If you qualify, you can apply for as many vacancies as you want.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you should never have Oriel open on multiple browsers or tabs, as this can affect your application process. Lastly, always check the application deadline, as your application will not be accepted if submitted past that date.

Once all that is considered, you can apply for vacancies using the Oriel portal. Here is what to expect from the application process.

Part 1: Personal and Employment History

The first step of a vacancy application on Oriel asks for your personal details. Most of these details will be automatically filled in from when you registered.

Then, you’ll provide your current immigration status to prove your right to work in the UK. If you don’t yet have a visa, you can submit details of the visa you plan on getting to move to the UK. In your case, that will likely be the Health and Care visa.

After that, there is a whole section on demographics. However, this part is not mandatory – fill it out if you want to, don’t feel like you have to.

Then, you’ll be asked about your employment history, both from the UK and overseas. For each employer, you’ll go into specifics, such as the employer name, duration of employment, post title, speciality, and more. There’s also a section for you to explain employment gaps if that’s relevant to you.

After employment history, you’ll go into detail about your training history. A lot of these questions ask for a simple yes or no as the answer. It’s crucial to answer honestly, as answering yes requires you to go into more detail.

At the end of part one, you’ll give information about professional registration (GMC registration), language skills, and special circumstances.

Part 2: References and Competencies

At the beginning of part two of an Oriel vacancy application you must provide three references. These references should be recent and preferably from a clinician you have worked closely with. Ensure that they will answer the phone or respond to an email – you should confirm this with them beforehand.

For the competencies section, you’ll go over your achievement of foundation competencies. You’ll prove you have attained a UK foundation competency or equivalent. The application will ask if you’re currently in a foundation training programme, have completed an NHS foundation programme, or are on an HEE speciality training programme.

Then, you’ll provide details of your entry qualifications, including your Primary Medical Qualification.

Part 3: Supporting Statements of Achievements

In the supporting statements of achievements, you’ll get 50-100 words to discuss the following:

• Additional undergraduate degrees and qualifications
• Postgraduate degree and qualifications
• Additional achievements
• Presentation/posters
• Publications
• Training in teaching
• Quality improvement
• Leadership and management

In the description box, give a brief overview of your experience of these, including things like the awarding body, dates, and qualifications given. It’s a chance to sell yourself! If you come across one that is not relevant, putting N/A is acceptable.

After that, you’ll be asked about MRCP (if applicable) and your commitment to specialities and interests outside medicine. That will include self-reflective practice, teamwork, and training courses, all needing evidence in your portfolio.

For the self-assessment section, you’ll note any achievements, prizes, publications, presentations, qualifications, and more you have achieved over the years. You’ll tick any you have done. Again, you’ll need to prove this in your portfolio, so honesty is crucial!

That is the end of the vacancy application. Before submitting and signing the declaration, go back to ensure all details are correct.

Once you have submitted your specialist vacancy application, you can keep up with the progress of the application on the Oriel dashboard, which includes managing and booking interviews.

The Benefits of Using Oriel

Oriel provides an excellent service to all UK and overseas doctors wanting to pursue speciality training in the UK. Here is why:

Easy to Use

Oriel provides an easy-to-use interface that anyone – even those without many tech skills – can use.

An Organised System

On the Oriel dashboard, all vacancies are placed right in front of you. It makes it easy to search for vacancies, as well as book and manage your applications, as it’s all in one single place.

A Range of Vacancies

Using the Oriel dashboard, you get access to plenty of speciality training vacancies – more than you would have otherwise.

In Summary

Oriel is a handy portal that you can use if applying for UK speciality vacancies. It covers the entire recruitment process, including applications, interviews, and vacancy offers, making it much easier to find and acquire the right post.

For many doctors relocating to the UK a training post comes after a year or two of experience in the NHS in a service role. This is a great way to build competencies and references before applying through Oriel. Contact us if you would like to know more about current vacancies like these in the NHS